Prestorb Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 Good for you Kar, hang in there! 2005-2009, Lexapro 10 - 20 mg, CT WD w/severe depression and anxiety: 2010-2015, Paxil, 30 - 40 mg, tapered off at 10 mg/week, moderate anxiety and depression: 2010-2015, Clonozapam 0.25 mg, as needed for anxiety and sleep: 1/10/2015, Zoloft 25 mg, tried to increase to 50 and 75, but nausea and dizziness: 2/13/2015, Paxil 5 mg, added back after 2 weeks at zero to reduce WD: 2/28/2015, Paxil 10 mg, increased from 5 mg to reduce WD, HOLDING: 3/04/2015, Zoloft discontinued (reduced to ~12.5 mg on 2/19, ~6.25 mg on 2/26, then zero): 4/26/2015, Paxil starting 10% taper (no scale so was inadvertently at 20% taper, yikes!): 4/30/2015, Paxil 10 mg, reinstated (WD disappeared between August 2015 and May 2016) 5/02/2016, Started 10% taper, reinstated to 10 mg on 5/11/16: 4/29/2017, Last dose of Paxil (working with holistic psychiatrist, lots of supplements to aid WD): Primary symptoms: apathy, demotivation, anhedonia, fatigue, stress intolerance, moderate social anxiety 7/1/2018 Finally feeling like myself again, success!!! Praise God! Even with the stress of relocating recently, I am feeling pretty good most of the time now. Granted, I eat healthy, I exercise, I don't drink caffeine or alcohol and I try hard find a healthy balance of quiet and social times. Hang in there and keep the faith, you can do it too! Link to comment
Kar Posted May 7, 2015 Author Share Posted May 7, 2015 The slide into depression and anxiety withdrawals has started. I find it so intriguing how for the first few days after a drop I feel amazingly good mentally. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share Posted May 8, 2015 I have a lot of ear pain as a withdrawal symptom. Any suggestions on how how to ease or palliate this? March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Bad ear pain continues - I would welcome suggestions on what has helped for other people with this. Also, sinus pain? Feels like the bones in my face hurt. And particularly behind my eyes hurts. - anyone else experience this? Thanks. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Lovofsun Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 hello Kar....Im going through paxil WD after a drop from 20mg to 10mg over night....I have been having alot of what you are experiencing and worse...All i can say is hold in there as time is the only thing that truly helps. 1999: amitriptyline2002: fluoxetine2003: venlafaxine2007: Paxil 20mg2012: Paxil 30mg2014 june: Paxil stopped working and was put on citalopram 20mg2014 august: docs put me on Paxil 20mg still feeling bad and had to stop antihistamines for hives2015 January: doctors put me on sertriline 50mg2015 February March: doctors wanted me to go back on Paxil 20mg2015 April 1st: I wanted off and dropped to 10mg9/5/15 Feeling worse for ware! struggling but i WILL get through this Link to comment
Kar Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Thanks Lovosun. A 10mg drop sounds like a very large drop (I only dropped 1.5mg). There's lots of info on this site about gradual tapering. If anyone can share what they do or what helps with the ear and facial pain, I would love to hear it. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted May 10, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 10, 2015 Hi Kar , I've used panadol a few times for pain when I need to , and also ibuprofen , with no negative effects. I haven't had ear pain - that must be so annoying , I hope it passes soon. xxx 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Kar Posted May 10, 2015 Author Share Posted May 10, 2015 Thanks Silver Star. I use panadol, but it really doesn't seem to make much difference. And unfortunately I can't take anti-inflammatories. Maybe I'll try a pain relief medication with some codeine in it. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted May 10, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 10, 2015 Lol , are you reading my thoughts Kar? You'll know pretty quickly if it will help or not. Fresh 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Kar Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 My symptoms lifted within a few days. This has been one of the easier reductions. Some of my reductions are relatively straight forward and others are gruelling. I find this intriguing. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted May 15, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 15, 2015 I haven't heard that before Kar. I was under the impression each decrease would follow a similar pattern. Is there a difference in the size of your decreases? It's very good to hear that you're feeling better already. Fresh 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Kar Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share Posted May 16, 2015 The change with severity of withdrawal effects is not associated with changes in reduction amount. I have reduced by 5mg, 2.5mg, 1.5mg, and 1mg. Most recently I reduced by 1.5mg and I only had a few days of withdrawals and wasn't particularly depressed or anxious. Mostly fatigue. Prior to that I had reduced by 1mg and had about 6 weeks of withdrawals and they were very severe. Bad depression and anxiety, extreme fatigue. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 16, 2015 Administrator Share Posted May 16, 2015 Kar, you've been on Paxil for 20 years. Please be careful. What is your tapering schedule? Have your decreases gotten smaller as you've gone down in dosage? How much Paxil are you taking now? Re ear pain: Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, seehttp://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/ This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Kar Posted May 17, 2015 Author Share Posted May 17, 2015 Thanks Altostrata. I have read the tapering information on this website. Yes, my decreases have decreased in size I've gotten lower in dosage. I have been decreasing gradually for over 2 years under the supervision of a doctor who I see regularly. I am currently on 21mg of paxil. I currently have minimal withdrawal symptoms. I cannot take fish oil for other health reasons. I have tried taking magnesium supplements. Sometimes it seems to help and at others it doesn't. So if it's not helping (or produces other undesired effects) I stop taking it. Thanks again. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 Hi All I'm now down to 18mg of paxil. I will be switching to 50mg of Zoloft in the next few days. This is all being done under a doctor's supervision. I acknowledge that some here have had a very difficult time doing this. I also know of people who haven't experienced difficulty doing this. We'll see how things go for me. cheers k March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 6, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 6, 2015 My fingers are crossed for you Kar , may you have a smooth transition. Too much mag. will give you the runs - if you use a powdered form you can sip a drink over a few hours , or take a smaller dose. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Kar Posted June 8, 2015 Author Share Posted June 8, 2015 Thanks Fresh. I appreciate it. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted June 10, 2015 Author Share Posted June 10, 2015 Hi All Today is day 3 of no paxil and 50mg zoloft. I acknowledge it's early days, but so far I have felt fine. cheersK March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted June 14, 2015 Author Share Posted June 14, 2015 14 June 2015 Just a very brief update. I am Day 7 of having dropped paxil (was at 18.5mg) and starting 50mg zoloft. I didn't have much symptoms until Thursday. Since then I have had:* quite a bit of fatigue - I'm sleeping about 10-12 hours/night, and over the weekend, had lie down for 1-2 hours in the afternoon also (I experienced this in lowering paxil and it eventually passed)* tire quite easily - can't exert myself too much* Fri/Sat I was very emotionally overwrought. Still have some but it seem to be lifting.* I have had a dull headache about 90% of the time, for which I take panadol* increased light sensitivity* mild nausea from time to timeOf course, it's early days but I am very encouraged by this. From my experience of lowering paxil in the past, the worst of the symptoms always kicked in in the first week. We'll see how things go. March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted June 17, 2015 Author Share Posted June 17, 2015 Hi AllStill going reasonably well on the zoloft switch. Except for headaches! Does anyone have any suggestions (besides panadol) for Zoloft headaches? Any experiences on how long they lasted when you started Zoloft? (I've had some nausea upon switching too, but this seems to be lessening over time). I think it's the zoloft and not the stopping of the paxil causing this (although there's no way to know for sure) because I never had headaches as a withdrawal symptom when I was reducing paxil. Thanks.Regards K March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Kar Posted July 4, 2015 Author Share Posted July 4, 2015 Hi AllJust to say I've been on zoloft about a month now and everything seems fine! So far so good.My switch from paxil to zoloft was reasonably painless. Certainly incredibly easier than each of the paxil reductions I went through.I'm very glad that I was able to switch from paxil to zoloft rather than having to wean off paxil completely before starting zoloft. That would have taking quite a few years and likely been quite challenging.cheers k March 2013-June 2015 reduced from 40mg to 18.5mg paxil. In mid June 2015, switched to Zoloft 50mg. (was on paxil approx 20 years) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted July 4, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 4, 2015 Hi Kar , nice to hear it's going well for you. Are you taking brand name or generic Zoloft? There's a shortage of brand name all over the country. See discussions here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9414-zoloft-shortage/#entry165513 and in the Australia room. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 4, 2015 Administrator Share Posted July 4, 2015 Good to hear, Kar. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
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